DURHAM, N.C. - This past week, the Duke University Athletic Association (DUAA) joined forces with the Duke Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) to take part in the Duke Community Service Center's Project Share, a holiday giving program which helps provide gifts to Durham individuals and families in need. The two Blue Devil groups raised over $2,750, benefitting 43 members of the Durham community during the holiday season.

Spearheaded by the efforts of women's lacrosse sophomore Angel Thompson, members of SAAC, which has participated in Project Share for over 10 years, gathered money donations and delegated three different committees comprised of Duke student-athletes to purchase, wrap and deliver gifts.

"It is important for SAAC to participate in Project Share," said Thompson. "Project Share is a great opportunity to take the blessings we have here at Duke and pay it forward. Doing something bigger than yourself which helps other people always puts life in a humbling and wider perspective."

Through the leadership of Associate Athletic Director of Compliance Cindy Hartmann and Human Resources Assistant Khristen Dial, the 2012 holiday season marked the first time the Duke Athletics staff organized a department-wide effort to participate in Project Share.

"So many people are looking to get involved, especially this time of year," Hartmann commented. "This is a great opportunity for us to be involved and to give back right here in our own Durham community."

More information on Project Share can be found on the Duke Community Service Center's website at http://csc.civic.duke.edu/main/philanthropic-programs/project-share.

d-u-k-e